Microbiology

at Bowling Green State University

Bachelor of Science Department of Biological Sciences College of Arts and Sciences

Microbiology is the study of cellular microbes, which are living organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye, and a collection of even smaller acellular microbes. The cellular microbes or microorganisms include bacteria, molds, yeasts, protozoa, algae and the acellular microbes include viruses, prions and infectious RNA. To understand fully the role of these microbes in the ecosystem, it is essential to learn how they metabolize and replicate themselves, as well as how they interact with plants, animals and each other.

Sub-areas of microbiology include microbial physiology, microbial genetics, molecular biology, pathogenic microbiology, virology and microbial ecology. These sub-areas help us acquire knowledge of how microorganisms can contribute to our health but are also capable of causing disease, how they can be used to prepare and improve the quality of foods and beverages, how their activities can be harnessed to produce many valuable substances suck as medicines and in manufacturing process and how they are capable of reducing or eliminating pollutants.

Career Opportunities

Microbiology graduates are in demand in educational institutions,pharmaceutical, food, health, biotechnology, and other industries and in government. Thriving companies of many types have also been founded by entrepreneurs holding a degree in microbiology. Many microbiology students pursue careers in research,epidemiology, medicine and dentistry. Others work in laboratories as technicians or enter the field of medical technology. Some will choose to attend medical or dental school, or to attend graduate school in microbiology, molecular biology, genetic engineering or other related fields. Faculty positions that can combine teaching and research are available at the junior college and university levels for those who earn advanced degrees.

The food and pharmaceutical industries are major employers of microbiologists. Hospital laboratories provide a source of employment for those interested in allied health professions. Government laboratories rely on microbiologists at the state and federal levels in areas concerned with foods, drugs and environmental problems. It is possible for a microbiology graduate to begin a professional career with a bachelor’s degree.

Curriculum

The major in microbiology is designed to provide training in the basic areas of microbiology. The program is centered upon the life sciences and requires extensive coursework in both chemistry and biology. (Sufficient flexibility in the program allows students, in consultation with the advisor, to select a course of study tailored to their individual interests)

Special Features

Most classes are offered in the Life Sciences Building and features the use of research equipment that includes light and electron microscopes, ultraviolet and visible light spectrophotometers, colorimeters, centrifuges, imaging equipment, micromanipulators, incubators, electrophoresis and pulsed-field gel equipment, thermocyclers, and computers. This equipment is located in one large teaching and ten research laboratories. Research opportunities are available to undergraduates enrolled in all years of the program and participation is encouraged.

Instruction for the microbiology program are primarily provided faculty in the biological sciences department, with support from faculty in the chemistry and physics departments as well as the medical technology program. Students can expect to receive broadly based expert instruction from this combination of knowledgeable faculty.

Preparation for College

The microbiology major encompasses mathematics, chemistry, and physics, in addition to basic biology principles. Most courses assume that students have a basic knowledge of the subject. Therefore, only completing the minimum coursework necessary for high school graduation, which is required for admission to BGSU, is insufficient preparation for college. Aspiring applicants should consider augmenting mandatory high school coursework by taking four rather than three years of mathematics. Prospective students will also benefit from completing high school biology, chemistry, and physics courses. Two, three or even four years of the same foreign language, competency in computer use, and exposure to or training in the visual and performing arts are additional excellent choices.

For Further Information

Dr. Jill Zeilstra-Ryalls or Dr. Don Deters

Microbiology Program

Department of Biological Sciences

Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green, Ohio 43403-0208

419-372-2872 or 419-372-8568

Internet Access

BGSU's website for future students contains University highlights, admissions procedures, financial aid information and many department profiles. It can be accessed at www.bgsu.edu.

The University

Bowling Green State University is a vibrant university that engages, challenges and prepares students for meaningful futures. At BGSU, students enjoy an education that integrates personal growth, academic excellence and an environment that expands their thinking and potential. A mid-size residential university, BGSU has an enrollment of approximately 20,000 and a full-time faculty of more than 900 on its main campus. More than 200 undergraduate majors and programs are offered as well as master's and doctoral level programs.

NOTE: Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. To learn more about the official program of study for Microbiology, please check the undergraduate catalog online at: choose.bgsu.edu/catalog/MICR